Robert Alfred Latham

Robert Alfred Latham Sr. The sunshine which so characterizes the Hawaiian paradise dimmed just a little on May 9, 2013, a tribute to the passing of one of its treasured giants of a man, Robert Alfred Latham, Sr., age 76. It is fitting that "Bob" died while living in Kona, Hawaii, where he enjoyed his retirement, spending time with his sweetheart, Janet, golfing with the "F Troop," entertaining family and friends, working out at the local gym, reading, watching all kinds of sports, and enjoying his morning drives along the ocean. Bob was born April 4, 1937, the third child of five children to "Snowball" and Blanche Smith Latham, in Twin Falls, Idaho. Blanche's daughter, Margaret Pratt, age 17, welcomed the arrival that day of Bob and twin sister, Roberta. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, attending in his youth, and supporting the Church throughout his life. He attended local schools, and was a 1955 graduate of Twin Falls High School, where he was a star athlete. On September 17, 1954, Bob married Janet Ann Plessinger, who with her "tumbling cuteness" swept him off his feet. He found his deepest pleasure and truest sense of mission in fathering his five children. His joy had been magnified in his senior years by sixteen grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Bob was a well-respected and successful businessman. Beginning in 1964, Bob worked for Milrany Buick Oldsmobile, as a car salesman. He had the opportunity in 1972 to purchase Bob Reese Motor Company, which later became Latham Motors, the "Giant of Magic Valley." He was devoted to his Magic Valley community and supported several local organizations, (CSI Foundation, "Cover the Pool," Twin Falls School District, CSI Rodeo, CSI Athletics, Idaho Junior Golf, Twin Falls Senior Center, Boys and Girls Club, Special Olympics). He was past President of Blue Lakes Country Club, with a passion not only for family and community, but for the game of golf, with seven holes in one. He sponsored the biggest Golf Match Play event in the Pacific Northwest, the "Latham Match Play Championship," for twenty years. Bob's love for children was evident in so many ways. He was a constant supporter of kids' athletic activities and he made sure that children with holes in their shoes always received a trip to the local shoe store for new shoes. His love and concern for others touched countless lives by his unbelievable generosity. He is survived by his beloved wife Janet of 58 years., five children, Terry (Ken) Steelman, St.George, Utah, Bob Latham Jr. (Tiffany Dastrup), St. George, Utah, Brenda Fisher (Tom Wray), Twin Falls, Idaho, Jamie Juliano (Steve Bennett), Boise, Idaho, JoAnn (Eric) Lee, Twin Falls, Idaho, sixteen grandchildren Jeremy Andreni, Brandi (Miller) Lee-McMillen, Stevie Fisher (Kristen Collins), Matthew Juliano, Bobby Latham III, Sevy Fisher, Zach Mathers, Kaci (Ryan) Lee-Haney, Kenny Steelman, Toliver Latham, Willie Mathers, Ericka Lee, Tahnee (Spencer) Latham-Halverson, Cory Steelman, Briyana Latham, Jenna Juliano; nine great grandchildren, Kaiden McMillen, Kennedy McMillen, Alexis Fisher, Slade Fisher, Krew McMillen, Mackie Haney, Kutter McMillen, Oaklee Haney, Nahla Latham; one brother, Jim Latham (Jill Boyd) Twin Falls, Idaho, and three sisters, Margaret (late J.C.) Williams,Twin Falls, Idaho, Nancy Latham, Twin Falls, Idaho, and Mary Lee (Larry) Haug, Salt Lake City, Utah.. He was preceded in death by his parents, and twin sister, Roberta Davis. Funeral services will be Wednesday, May 22, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at the Twin Falls LDS Stake Center, 2085 South Temple Drive, next to the LDS temple on Eastland Drive, under the direction of Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home. Conducting the funeral will be Bishop Mike Traveller of the Twin Falls LDS 15th Ward. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 21, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home, 2551 Kimberly Road. A private family graveside service will be at the Twin Falls cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Blue Lakes Country Club Junior Golf Program, P.O. Box 5729, Twin Falls, ID. 83303. Those who wish may share memories and condolences on Bob's Memorial Page at www.magicvalleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Parke's Magic Valley Funeral Home of Twin Falls.